A new $382 million casino has opened in French Lick, Indiana, bringing gaming back to the local community after a 13 year absence.

It is hoped that the casino resort will help boost the region’s poor economy, bringing much-needed revenue into the district.

After almost ten years of campaigning, council officials believe that their efforts at providing a solution to French Lick’s financial problems have finally paid off.

Over 1,300 new employees have already been hired, with more expected following the opening of a nearby in hotel in 2007. And with 2,500 visitors arriving during the first four hours of trade on Friday, the 84,000 square foot casino seems certain to be a success.

Customers appeared to be full of praise for the new facilities, with one gamer declaring “I love it. I love it. I love it,” to the Courier-Journal newspaper.

State gambling legislation means that the casino will be the last-ever resort to open within Indiana following the legalization of riverboat casinos 13 years ago.

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